Russell Eugene Baxter, 74, of Mayetta, KS passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 at his home with his family by his side. He was born October 3, 1942 in Holton, KS the son of Lawrence and Lillie Beth (Ray) Baxter.

Russell graduated from Mayetta High School in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 – 1965, during the Vietnam Era. He also served for 1 year and 7 months with USARPAC.

Russell worked his early years at Whelans's in Topeka and later for many years at Dupont and Frito Lay, also both in Topeka. He retired from Fed Ex in Topeka, which was formerly known as Watkin's Delivery. Russell was also a lifetime farmer and rancher.

He was a member of the Mayetta Christian Church, Holton American Legion Post #44, Holton V.F.W. Post #1367 and Mayetta Cutting Horse Club.

Russell married Gladys Cato in January 1966 in Georgia, they later divorced in 1980. He married Marquita Buckmeier on March 7, 1990 in Las Vegas, NV, she survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Gary Baxter (Amber) of Mayetta, KS; a daughter, Dana Harris (Chris) of Mayetta, KS; 2 step-sons, Tom Miller (Glenda) of Topeka, KS and Michael Hoog (Jen) of Ishpeming, MI; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Colby Harris on July 21, 2017 and a brother, Ronald Baxter on May 31, 2011.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Denison Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Russell Baxter Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.